WLU Wrestlers Reach Out to Young Fan

West Liberty University head coach Mitch Smith and his Hilltopper wrestling team have reached out to embrace a young mat fan who is dealing with a difficult challenge.

“Holdyn Keefer is a 4-year-old boy from Point Pleasant, W.Va., who loves the sport of wrestling,” Smith said. “I found out from a friend of mine, who’s related to Holdyn, that Holdyn had been diagnosed with leukemia earlier this month.

“I immediately started thinking about ways our wrestling team could reach out in support of Holdyn and his family. When I told the guys about it the next day, they were all in to do anything they could to help Holdyn and lift his spirits.”

Smith and the WLU wrestling team conducted a 40-minute “live-go” mat session in Holdyn’s honor. After the session, they collected a broad assortment of West Liberty wrestling gear to send to the youngster along with a card signed by every member of the Hilltopper wrestling program.

In addition, the Hilltoppers have designated their Feb. 12 home match against Gannon (Pa.) as “Team Holdyn Night” at the ASRC.

Various fundraisers – T-shirt sales, a 50-50 raffle and donations – are planned for the evening with all proceeds donated to the GoFundMe account set up in Holdyn’s name to help the family with medical expenses, travel for treatment, and other necessities.

“I’m really looking forward to taking the team down to meet Holdyn this spring,” Smith said. “We just want to let him know that he’s not fighting this battle alone. He’s part of the West Liberty wrestling family now